We were diving the St Lawrence Seaway this weekend, from the Canadian side. The first day we went to the American side so had to leave Canada, clear customs in the States, do the dives and then clear Canadian Customs on return.
Customs was waiting for us at the dock, they took one of the divers passports and told the diver to pack their stuff, go to the motel, check out there and then proceed to the border. Once at the border they deported the diver because of a 26 year old DUI conviction in the States. Mind you this diver had already cleared customs the night before and has been to Canada many times prior.
Our boat captain told us they deported at least 4 or 5 this year from his boat for the same reason; one of them had a 35 year old DUI in the States. The captain also told us that DUI is a criminal offense in Canada and that when you cross the border on a boat and come back as we did they seem to run a complete check on all passengers.
The captain was highly pi**ed about this whole situation and said he has been talking to his politicians.
Once at the border Customs did tell this diver for a $200.00 fee they could apply for a waiver that they may or may not get, to return to Canada.
So, travelers to Canada beware, if you have any DUI arrests in States your vacation may end abruptly.
Customs was waiting for us at the dock, they took one of the divers passports and told the diver to pack their stuff, go to the motel, check out there and then proceed to the border. Once at the border they deported the diver because of a 26 year old DUI conviction in the States. Mind you this diver had already cleared customs the night before and has been to Canada many times prior.
Our boat captain told us they deported at least 4 or 5 this year from his boat for the same reason; one of them had a 35 year old DUI in the States. The captain also told us that DUI is a criminal offense in Canada and that when you cross the border on a boat and come back as we did they seem to run a complete check on all passengers.
The captain was highly pi**ed about this whole situation and said he has been talking to his politicians.
Once at the border Customs did tell this diver for a $200.00 fee they could apply for a waiver that they may or may not get, to return to Canada.
So, travelers to Canada beware, if you have any DUI arrests in States your vacation may end abruptly.